Take 90's Brass into the new millenium...on a budget

When I'm called upon to conduct a home staging consultation, it's typically for an occupied resale in the northern suburbs of Atlanta. The homeowners often just want professional guidance: to be told where to begin, what to do and what not to do. As I take my notes, I include everything that should be done to update but prioritize according to ROI because realistically not everyone has the budget to do everything. This helps them decide how to best spend their money.

The development of suburban subdivisions in Metro Atlanta over the last 15-20 years, or so, have left today's market with some very 'dated' resale homes in comparison to the amount of vacant new construction available. With foreclosures and short sales on the rise, homeowners are often strapped for cash and cannot always afford to spend much to update anything.

~How do the resales compete with the new construction that has all the bells and whistles people want today and are in the same price category?

~Why would a buyer want to buy a dated resale when they could purchase an updated new home for practically the same price?

Realistically, a resale will not get the large return on investment to do ALL of the upgrades that comparably priced new construction has to offer. What to do? A few cosmetic adjustments will provide the home with the updated aesthetics that buyers are looking for...and here's one small way.

The dreaded brass light fixtures hanging in the kitchens, dining rooms etc. of so many circa 1990 homes immediately date the house, unless it's done totally right and on purpose...which isn't often. =) Solution? Well, yes purchasing another fixture is ideal but if you have a few fixtures to replace, the price will add up quickly. Inexpensive solution? Paint it!

A good choice is Rust Oleum American Accents Metallic Paint. A couple of coats work wonders to update a brass light fixture. A clear coat will help protect the finish. The color used for my project was Oil Rubbed Bronze. We all know how great those bronze fixtures look but that they come with a price tag too.

This Brass light fixture made the dining appear very dated, even after painting the room an updated neutral (used Behr Cappucino).

Now, with it's new paint finish, it side-steps into the new millenium like it's real oil rubbed bronze cousins.

We're probably going to source mini shades for this fixture to coordinate with the buffet lamps being used on the sideboard, to soften the white stems.

Great idea, Ginger! I'm ready for the challenge!!!! I'm sure I can dig up a few items in my house that could use a new look!!!!! You wanna set it up????? I think you should =)

Sharon, I'll admit this is a first but considering how well it turned out, I won't think twice about recommending it next time. You know, some people might think it's cheesy to paint rather than replace.

Thanks Kristina, I'm glad you think so!

Hi Karen, Thanks and it's really great to know that so many others out there are doing the same. I know I'm not original in the idea, obviously, just figured I'd share what I did!

Hey Leah, AHHHH!!!! Brass fireplaces!!! Now that's BRILLIANT! I didn't even think of that. My husband is working on a remodel and the woman has spent a small fortune on so much but her dated brass fireplace is screaming for help! I'm soooo going to recommend that! THANKS! Actually, I know someone who recommends spray painting all brass doorknobs with the Bronze finish. She uses a clearcoat when finished to seal it. Personally, I haven't tried it and seems like a lot of work BUT, again, in comparison to the expense of replacing them, it's probably worth it. I'm a little skeptical as I look around my own house and see the number of doorknobs we have! LOL

Michelle, well now you know you can give a shot! Good Luck!

Hi Julea, I LOVE the hand hammered paint! Bet that would look fantastic. THANKS! We did our own ugly brass exterior fixtures with just plain black and it came out great...now they look like carriage lights. Really cool.

Hi Shobha, now that's good to know that it holds up outdoors. Our exterior fixtures were only done about 2 months ago so other than the extreme sun late in the day, we haven't had any weather conditions to really expose it to yet.

Abby, great reminder. I was just in a home with all gold fixtures, including the faucets. Too bad they cant' be painted! Love the idea. Do you take the electrical wiring apart yourself or do you have a pro?

Hi Abby, What a beautiful change.. I do love that bronzed look.. Someone reccommended this to me when I posted about painting a metal table, still have not gotten around to it but I loved seeing your results. Thanks so much and God bless,

Hi Anthea, I'm always afraid some things are going to look 'cheap' and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome of this one...not cheap looking at all.

Hi Deborah, Yes that's been our consideration. I'm not a fan of the black shades (I don't like they way they look when lit up) but I was thinking maybe a mossy green or a cafe au lait color. hey, pass it along... =)

Hi Shelley, oh, I know, right? I was standing in my own shower thinking 'hmmm, I wonder if I could spray paint the chrome trim in here?" LOL This fixture was taken apart. My hubby helped...he's good like that =)

Hi Cheryl, ooh, I'd love to see a table done like that! do it and send us pictures! Thanks for commenting.

Hi Kristie, thanks. Like I said before, I always get concerned if projects like that are going to look cheap...but thankfully it came out great! And, I'd do it again...and probably will! lol

Great post! I have recommended htis to clients because, I confess, I saw it done for HGTV. But I wasn't sure about the prep part, and I didn't have a specific paint to recommend--now, thanks, to you, I have both!

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